STATE OF RHODE ISLAND KEEPING AN EYE ON TROPICAL STORM ELSA

Assistance for Severe Weather and Flooding that occurred in December 2023 and January 2024

Residents of Kent, Providence, and Washington counties, who were affected by severe storms and flooding that occurred between December 17-19, 2023, and between January 9-13, 2024, can apply for federal assistance.

Homeowners and renters who received property loss or damages by either disaster in those counties have until May 20, 2024, to apply.

When applying for assistance, you will need to describe what damage(s) happened on which date to ensure you’re applying under the correct disaster.

FEMA Assistance - Several ways for homeowners and renters to apply.

1. Visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) at:

a. Curtis Corner Middle School
301 Curtis Corner Road
Wakefield, RI 02879

b. Coventry Town Hall Annex
1675 Flat River Road
Coventry, RI 02879

c. William Winsor Elementary School
562 Putman Pike
Greenville, RI 02828

- Hours of operation, all locations: 8 a.m.– 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays.

All locations are Closed on Sundays.

1a. Visit the Mobile Disaster Recovery Center (MDRC) at:

d. Cumberland Public Library - Parking Lot
119 Main Street
Cumberland, RI 02864

- MDRC Hours of operation: 9 a.m.– 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays.

Closed on Sundays.

2. Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. Help is available in most languages.

3. Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov (also in Spanish).

4. Download the FEMA mobile app (also in Spanish), available at Google Play or the Apple App Store.

To view an accessible video on how to apply visit Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube

SBA Assistance - Ways to apply for low-interest disaster loans available to businesses and residents in Rhode Island

1. Visit the Business Recovery Center (BRC) at:

North Providence Public Safety Complex
1835 Mineral Spring Avenue
North Providence, RI 02904

- Hours of operation: 9 a.m.– 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. Closed Sundays.

2. Apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster.

3. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955

4. Email: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov

To view an accessible video on how to apply for SBA visit Reasons to apply for a SBA Loan.

STATE OF RHODE ISLAND KEEPING AN EYE ON TROPICAL STORM ELSA

Published on Wednesday, December 01, 2021

The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) is closely monitoring the path of Tropical Storm Elsa and its potential impact on the state. RIEMA receives updates four times a day from the National Weather Service (NWS) in Norton, MA. We then pass along the information to local emergency managers, other state agencies and various emergency support organizations so that they can identify any potential issues and hazards and prepare accordingly.

"If Elsa tracks our way, residents will need to prepare too," says RIEMA Director Marc Pappas. "Make sure your emergency kit is packed with enough supplies to last for three days. You should also secure any lawn furniture, take your boat out of the water or secure it to a mooring, and clean out your storm gutters to prevent flooding inside your house."

Right now, the NWS says Elsa is expected to impact southeast New England around dawn Friday morning as a weak tropical storm and continue through Saturday morning. There is the potential for heavy rainfall with precipitation of 1-3", wind gusts over 35mph, and dangerous marine conditions along with rough surf and rip currents along the beaches.

There is much uncertainty to the exact track and intensity as Elsa makes its closest approach on Friday. We are continuing to monitor the situation at the State Emergency Operations Center and will do so throughout the storm. Stay informed of the latest weather forecast, follow RIEMA on social media, and look for updates on our website at www.riema.ri.gov.

STATE OF RHODE ISLAND KEEPING AN EYE ON TROPICAL STORM ELSA

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